Person Page - 2533

     Betty Jane Chandler was born on February 11, 1924 at Minden, Fayette Co., West Virginia.² As of February 16, 1944,her married name was Prater.³ She married Raymond Allen Prater, son of James Washington "Ty" Prater and Nona Hearl Fisher, on February 16, 1944 at Washington, D.C..^1,3

     Jeffrey Clinton Prater was buried at Celestial Memorial Gardens, 3111 Delree Street, West Columbia, Lexington Co., South Carolina.² His Social Security Number was 249-17-4563.⁶ He was born on April 15, 1957 at Oak Hill, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^1,6,2,3 He died on November 24, 2007 at West Columbia, Lexington Co., South Carolina, at age 50.^1,6,2 He Services for Jeffrey Clinton Prater, 50, of West Columbia, will be held Friday. Mr. Prater passed away on Saturday, November 24, 2007. Born in Oak Hill, WV, he was the son of the late E. Howard and Betty Harler Prater. He has been an area resident for the past 40 years, formerly from Winston-Salem, NC. Surviving are his daughter, Maggie Prater; son, Clint Prater, both of West Columbia; sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Gary Turner of Chapin; brother, David Prater of Kennesaw, GA. on December 5, 2007.¹

     Her married name was Niday.² Her Social Security Number was 234-80-8548.⁵ Ann Herl Prater married Unknown Niday.² Ann Herl Prater was born on September 9, 1948 at Kincaid, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^5,4 As of November, 1967,her married name was Zingle.³ She married Kenneth Lawrence Zingle in November, 1967 at Richland Co., South Carolina.³ As of circa 2010,her married name was Turner.⁴ Ann Herl Prater married Gary L. Turner circa 2010.^1,4 Ann Herl Prater died on May 19, 2010 at Lexington, Lexington Co., South Carolina, at age 61.^5,4 She Ann H. Turner, 61, passed away in Lexington Medical Center on Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Ann was born in Kincaid, WV, September 9, 1948, to the late E. Howard Prater and Betty Harler Prater. She was a nurse at S.C. Oncology Associates in Columbia in GYN Oncology. Ann was a caring nurse to many cancer patients. She was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi. Ann is survived by her loving husband of almost nine years, Gary L. Turner; children, Jill Zingle, Jennifer Como (Vincent), and Jeremy Niday (Jennifer); stepsons, Michael Turner (Sonya), Jeffrey Turner (Staci), and Christopher Turner; grandchildren, Jackson Niday, Jacob Niday, Dominick Como, Liam Como, Morgan Turner, Megan Turner and Molly Turner; niece, Maggie Prater; nephew, Clint Prater; and brother, David Prater. She was predeceased by her brother, Jeffrey Prater. The family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Tripp Jones, Dr. Fred Kudrick and the staff at S.C. Oncology Associates and to the staff at Lexington Medical Center for their care and concern. on May 21, 2010.⁴

     Elmer Rice Jr. Elmer "Elmo" Rice Jr., May 1, 1940 – Jan 8, 2025. We bid farewell to Elmer "Elmo" Rice, Jr., 84, born May 1, 1940. A true friend and beacon of life who departed from this world on January 8th, 2025 (waiting on Heather to change his clock) surrounded by his wife, Marietta, his granddaughter, Brooke, and his great-grandson, Kayden. Leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness Elmo walked through life with a gentle strength, touching the lives of all he encountered with unforgettable grace. Leaving behind is wife of 58 years, Marietta Barker Rice and she wants him to know " Your Life was a blessing, your memory is a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. You are gone from our sights, but never from our hearts." He leaves behind his two daughters, Debra Belcher and husband, Kevin and Heather Rice. He was blessed with 5 grandchildren, Brooke Adkins and husband, Stephen, Kyle Belcher and wife, Hollie, Chandler Belcher, D.J. Hale, and Harlee Pinter; 3 great grandchildren, Abigail Sevigny, Gabriel Belcher; and a very special great-grandson, Kayden Belcher. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, JoAnne Rice and several nieces and nephews. Elmo was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Elmer Rice, Sr. Along with his brothers, William "Bill" Rice, Larry Rice and wife, Tina, and a infant brother, Nelson Eddy Rice. Elmo spent four years in the US Air Force and loved serving his country. He worked for FMC in South Charleston for 7 years and then moved to Beckley and worked for 29 years at Pittston Coal Company. After retirement, he had a love for fishing, but an even greater love for gardening and making that his passion. No garden magazine could match his produce, especially his tomatoes. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Pallbearers will be: Stephen Adkins, Kyle Belcher, Kayden Belcher, Shawn Burdette, D.J. Hale. and Larry Rice.⁴ He was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5250 Robert Centre Byrd Drive, Prosperity, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.⁴ He was born on May 1, 1940 at Raleigh Co., West Virginia.^2,4 He married Marietta Jo Barker on June 17, 1966 at South Charleston, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.^2,4 Elmer Rice Jr. died on January 8, 2025 at West Virginia at age 84.⁴

     Larry Rice was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5250 Robert Centre Byrd Drive, Prosperity, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.² He Larry Rice, 71, of Oak Hill, passed away Saturday, June 4, 2016. Born July 18, 1944 in Amigo, WV, he was the son of the late Elmer and Pearl Juanita Beckelhimer Rice. Larry was a retired coal miner having last worked for Ranger Fuel. He loved hunting, fishing and woodworking. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a proud supporter of all veterans. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, Nelson Eddie and William G. Rice. Larry is survived by his wife Christina Ann Rice; sons, Larry Allen and Michelle of Oak Hill, Jerry Wayne and Angie of Oak Hill; daughter, Michele Rice of Beckley; grandchildren, Robert, Cody, Hunter, Maci, Tyler, Lauren, Jared, Alyssa; great grandchildren, Kaleigh, Caden; brother, Elmer Rice, Jr. and Marietta of Sophia; sister-in-law, Joann Rice of Pensacola, FL. The family would like to give a special thanks to Larry’s caregiver, Lisa. A private committal service will be held at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.² He married Christina Ann Unknown.² Larry Rice was born on July 18, 1944 at Amigo, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.² He died on June 4, 2016 at West Virginia at age 71.²

     Virginia Mae/May Richmond was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5250 Robert Centre Byrd Drive, Prosperity, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.^5,4 Her Social Security Number was 232-84-6742.⁶ She and Dennie Eugene Smith Sr. were divorced.⁴ Virginia Mae/May Richmond was born on December 6, 1949 at Glen Morgan, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.^2,6 As of July 13, 1968,her married name was Smith.² She married Dennie Eugene Smith Sr. on July 13, 1968 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2 Virginia Mae/May Richmond died on January 13, 1998 at New Haven, Allen Co., Indiana, at age 48.^6,4,3 She Virginia May Smith, 48, died Tuesday at home. Born in Beckley, W.Va., she was a waitress and housekeeper. Surviving are two sons, Bryan and Dennis E. II, both of New Haven; her mother, Inez Richmond of Blue Jay, W.Va; a sister, Linda Nicholas of Glen Morgan, W.Va; and three brothers, Richard Richmond and Danny Richmond, both of Blue Jay, and William H. Richmond Jr. of Shady Springs, W.Va. Services pending through Rose & Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley. Burial in Blue Ridge Memorial Cemetery, Beckley. on January 15, 1998.³

     Dennie Eugene Smith Sr. and Virginia Mae/May Richmond were divorced.³ Dennie Eugene Smith Sr. was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5250 Robert Centre Byrd Drive, Prosperity, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.⁴ He was born on December 14, 1949 at West Virginia.² He married Virginia Mae/May Richmond, daughter of William Hubert Richmond and Inez Luella Pigg, on July 13, 1968 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2 Dennie Eugene Smith Sr. died on January 13, 1998 at age 48.

     His Social Security Number was 233-54-8665.⁸ Ronald Ray Cooney was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.^2,4 He was born on July 13, 1938 at West Virginia.^7,8,2,4,9 He married Etha Rae Harris in January, 1959 at Jackson Co., Florida.⁵ Ronald Ray Cooney married Marion Claudette McElwain on August 9, 1974 at South Charleston, Kanawha Co., West Virginia.⁶ Ronald Ray Cooney died on March 29, 1992 at Alexandria, Virginia, at age 53.^3,2,4,9

     Joyce Ann Cooney was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5250 Robert Centre Byrd Drive, Prosperity, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.⁴ She was born circa May, 1940 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.^3,2 As of November 6, 1964,her married name was Watkins.² She married Paul Watkins on November 6, 1964 at Pearisburg, Giles Co., Virginia.² Joyce Ann Cooney died on April 14, 1971 at Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., Ohio.^4,5 She Kerosene traces found at scene of fatal fire. Use of kerosene in the first-floor hallway of the building in which fire killed three persons early Wednesday was determined Thursday, Acting Fire Chief Joseph Devine said. A chemical analysis disclosed that kerosene had been used in the hallway where the three-alarm blaze originated, Devine added. Officials lacked knowledge, however, of a specific suspect or motive for the fire which killed Paul Watkins, 27, his wife, Joyce, 30, and their son, Paul Allen, five, on the third floor of the building at 6 E. 13th St. Sgt. Eugene Moore, Homicide Squad, said detectives questioned two possible suspects Wednesday and Thursday, but could find no evidence that either was connected with starting the fire. "We have no evidence at this point that foul play was involved, but we are investigating the possibility," Moore said. "At this point, none of the elements of a crime have been uncovered. "The fire department could only tell us there was a probability of arson, because of indications some sort of flammable material was used." Funeral services for the Watkins family will be at 11 a. m. Saturday at the Calfee Funeral Home, Beckely, W. Va. Burial will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Mr. Watkins is survived by his father, Bernie, Cincinnati, and mother, Mrs. Florence Campbell. Mrs. Watkins is survived by her mother, Mrs. Clara Cooney, Beckley, and brother, Donald Cooney, Richmond, Ky. on April 16, 1971.⁴

     Paul Watkins was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5250 Robert Centre Byrd Drive, Prosperity, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.³ He was born circa 1941 at Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., Ohio.¹ He married Joyce Ann Cooney, daughter of Leonard Cooney and Clara Barton Polk, on November 6, 1964 at Pearisburg, Giles Co., Virginia.¹ Paul Watkins died on April 14, 1971 at Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., Ohio.^2,3 He Kerosene traces found at scene of fatal fire. Use of kerosene in the first-floor hallway of the building in which fire killed three persons early Wednesday was determined Thursday, Acting Fire Chief Joseph Devine said. A chemical analysis disclosed that kerosene had been used in the hallway where the three-alarm blaze originated, Devine added. Officials lacked knowledge, however, of a specific suspect or motive for the fire which killed Paul Watkins, 27, his wife, Joyce, 30, and their son, Paul Allen, five, on the third floor of the building at 6 E. 13th St. Sgt. Eugene Moore, Homicide Squad, said detectives questioned two possible suspects Wednesday and Thursday, but could find no evidence that either was connected with starting the fire. "We have no evidence at this point that foul play was involved, but we are investigating the possibility," Moore said. "At this point, none of the elements of a crime have been uncovered. "The fire department could only tell us there was a probability of arson, because of indications some sort of flammable material was used." Funeral services for the Watkins family will be at 11 a. m. Saturday at the Calfee Funeral Home, Beckely, W. Va. Burial will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Mr. Watkins is survived by his father, Bernie, Cincinnati, and mother, Mrs. Florence Campbell. Mrs. Watkins is survived by her mother, Mrs. Clara Cooney, Beckley, and brother, Donald Cooney, Richmond, Ky. on April 16, 1971.³

     Her Social Security Number was 236-98-3548.² Grace Dexter "Gracie" Meadows was buried at Jennings Cemetery on Stovall's Ridge, Camp Creek, Mercer Co., West Virginia.³ Her married name was Roberts.¹ She married Delbert D. Roberts.¹ Grace Dexter "Gracie" Meadows was born on October 17, 1913 at Raleigh Co., West Virginia.^3,2 She died on August 17, 1997 at age 83.^3,2

     Her Social Security Number was 234-56-0640.³ Her married name was Smith.¹ Gleema Marie West married Amon Smith, son of James Jacob "Jim" Smith and Prudence Caramina Light.¹ Gleema Marie West was born on November 23, 1914 at Prudence, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^3,2 She died on October 1, 2002 at age 87.³

     Walter Brown Liptrap was buried at High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill, Fayette Co., West Virginia.⁴ He married India Anna Smith, daughter of James Jacob "Jim" Smith and Prudence Caramina Light.⁵ Walter Brown Liptrap was born on September 28, 1888 at Bath Co., Virginia; His death certificate has a birth date of Aug 28, 1889.^3,2 He died on December 16, 1967 at Thurmond, Fayette Co., West Virginia, at age 79.⁴